Too much Rod

[us56456712]

I'd give anything to be able to change the name of the site, but after 9 years, the equity built up in the brand and the search results make it a risky prospect.

No sweat, the name is cool and unique and the best bicycle sit out there.

 

[horsefarmer]

I'd give anything to be able to change the name of the site, but after 9 years, the equity built up in the brand and the search results make it a risky prospect.

If it ain't broken, don't fix it. This site is just fine the way it is!

 

[jamesdart]

I'd give anything to be able to change the name of the site, but after 9 years, the equity built up in the brand and the search results make it a risky prospect.

I know what you mean. I've had a ratrod related email for almost 20 years. I came up with it from a few of us that used to race fast ratty muscle cars. Nothing to do with the pieced together rockabilly car culture that we know now.

 

[GuitarlCarl]

There is a growing trend towards safe and reliable among auto ratrod enthusiasts....

Carl.

 

[Rat Rod]

I own the domain bikerodder.com and I've often thought of making the switch to clarify things, but in the world of bicycle collecting and customization, Rat Rod has it's own understanding which has netted awesome search results over the years.

The problem comes in when people try to apply the car version of the term to bikes and expect it to be all about rust. Oddly enough, I remember back in the 80s when a car with flat black paint, red wheels and white walls was what all of the car magazines referred to as a rat rod. The cars they now call rat rods would have just been referred to as junk back then...ha ha.

 

[Fv2]

Personally I don't care what the definition of ratrod is, I figure most of us are building in garages,basements,sheds,or even just out in the back yard. I think that's about as ratty as it gets.

Yes some do have more skills and better tools than others,but that's ok. What other place are you going to find everything from laser cut precision, to someone welding with car batteries?

I have minimal welding skills and just a few tools,so my build is all bolted together. And did you notice the wagon wheels? I don't think anything needs to change,not the definition and not the domain name.
Were just a bunch of men and women doing what we love,and we call them rat rods. 'Nuff said.

 

[BARTO]

Personally I don't care what the definition of ratrod is, I figure most of us are building in garages,basements,sheds,or even just out in the back yard. I think that's about as ratty as it gets.

Yes some do have more skills and better tools than others,but that's ok. What other place are you going to find everything from laser cut precision, to someone welding with car batteries?

I have minimal welding skills and just a few tools,so my build is all bolted together. And did you notice the wagon wheels? I don't think anything needs to change,not the definition and not the domain name.
Were just a bunch of men and women doing what we love,and we call them rat rods. 'Nuff said.

I think I only met one person from the site but whatever you call it...I'll be a part of it

 

[g-ratter]

The part I like comes from the rodding tradition of mixing parts. Nothing like a good challenge trying to get thinks to work together.

 

[deorman]

I think the name is perfect. Some avid cyclists would view a steel era Paramount with clincher tires and a couple of scratches on the chain stay as a rat bike. No need to be a pro-level scratch builder or holder/user of costly collectibles or pro equipment to fit in here, but there are some of those here from which others can learn from, or just enjoy.

 

[horsefarmer]

I think the name is perfect. Some avid cyclists would view a steel era Paramount with clincher tires and a couple of scratches on the chain stay as a rat bike. No need to be a pro-level scratch builder or holder/user of costly collectibles or pro equipment to fit in here, but there are some of those here from which others can learn from, or just enjoy.

WOW! Pretty much sums it up Deorman! And fresh people find this site everyday - searching for "rat bicycles" cause they are not "avid" or "snobs" but just want to tinker around do some modding and love the OG paint!

 

[DC4L]

To me, I think the term Rat Rod could mean anything to anybody. Bikes are mans greatest invention, and customizing to your own tastes is what I think of when I think Rat Rod.
Maybe the trend right now IS more rod than rat. Personally, I like both. Really depends on the bike, and what the bike is asking to look like. (they have feelings you know)